ICC Test Championship 
India VS England Test Series 
1st Test Played at Chennai From February 5-9 ,2021 

England 1st Innings 263/3 (Josef Edward Root 126*, Dominic Peter Sibley 87, Jasprit Jasbirsingh Bumrah 2/40, Ravichandra Ashwin 1/ 68)
 
Flying Englishman Joe Root carried his superlative South Asian batting form from Sri Lanka sparked once again with a brilliant 128 not out against docile looking Indian attack on day one of the first of the four-match series against formidable India. This series holds the key for settling which among Australia, India and England would meet New Zealand at Lords in the final of the World Test Championship in June 2021.
 
Coming to bat at the fall of two quick wickets at 63 English Captain championing 200 runs partnership with Don Sibley (87) remained unbeaten of 126. England finishing the day at 263/3 has laid the foundation for a good first innings. With Ben Stokes, Olie Pope and Jos Buttler among others to come England can expected 400 plus score in the first Innings. If that happens quality English attack may take stern test as apart from James Anderson and Jofra Archer England possess two quality spinners in Don Bess and Lack Leash.
 
English batsmen batted carefully against Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah playing each ball to their merit. Their series against Sri Lanka helped England a lot to acclimatize quickly with Sub Continental climate. The toss also favored as traditionally Indian wicket assist spinners as the match progresses.  A big first innings score would definitely assist England in controlling the match. But for that England has to keep the momentum going. Indian bowlers however, did not let free bees. It was hard grind where quality of Root and Sibley kept them floating. Indian bowlers can still turn the tide taking quick wickets on the second morning. But well prepared and well resolved English men are not letting the advantage loose.  Can say English Lions have their nose in front in the first test already.
 
Bumrah as usual was the peak of Indian bowlers taking 2/40. Kohli had to be careful about using his ace bowlers as both Bumrah and Ishant just came out from injury. However, wicket provided very little assistance. 

BDST: 1853 HRS, FEB 05, 2021
AP